Uutiset

EU requests Greece to end discrimination against teachers who have worked in other Member States

21/06/2012

The European Commission has asked Greece to comply with its obligations under EU law by taking into account professional experience and seniority acquired by teachers in other Member States without any time limit.

When determining working conditions (in particular the salary) for auxiliary and supply teachers working in Greek state schools, the Greek authorities do not take into account migrant workers' previous periods of comparable employment which were acquired in other Member States before their accession to the EU.

This practice infringes the fundamental principles of EU law on free movement for workers.
As a result of this discriminatory treatment, teachers from other Member States may be denied their right to work in Greece on the same terms and conditions as Greek teachers.

The Commission's request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures. Greece now has two months to inform the Commission of measures taken to bring its legislation into line with EU law. Otherwise the Commission may decide to refer Greece to the EU's Court of Justice.